Court case gives Taane career boost

Tiki Taane, pictured outside the Tauranga District Court yesterday, says he wants to tell his story to the judge. Photo / Alan Gibson

Tiki Taane says publicity around his court case has fuelled his career and led to a sell-out Australian tour.

The Always On My Mind singer was in court yesterday on charges relating to an incident in April when he sang the gangsta rap protest song F*** tha Police as officers carried out a routine inspection at the Illuminati nightclub in Tauranga.

The 34-year-old, who has just finished an Australian tour to promote his new album, has pleaded not guilty to disorderly behaviour likely to cause violence.

Yesterday, he appeared briefly in the Tauranga District Court, and his case was adjourned for a status hearing on August 26.

He said later that he would fight the charge. "I'm just interested in getting in court and having my story told and seeing what the judge thinks.

"Of course I wanted to shake hands and say no hard feelings ... but obviously you can't do it like that, so we're just gearing up for the next phase."

Taane admitted he had been happy to discuss the case with Australian media as it had helped his tour.

He said Australian media thought it was "quite bizarre that I got arrested for singing a song".

While in Australia, he also performed Freedom to Sing, a song he wrote about his arrest.

Taane disputed comments by Police Association president Greg O'Connor that the charges involved more than just the lyrics he recited.

"My behaviour was fine. If it was about my behaviour ... I would be up for obstruction or resisting arrest.

"It's definitely about me singing lyrics that one police officer got offended with, came back and put me in cuffs and took me away."

Mr O'Connor said he stood by his views, adding: "I think people should just wait until the facts come out."

Bar promoter Patricio Alvarez-Riveros, 24, is also facing charges relating to the incident.

FREEDOM TO SING

You can handcuff me and take me away
But you can't take my freedom to sing
You can drag me down to prison today
But you can't take my freedom to sing
You can charge me with whatever you want
But you can't take my freedom to sing
You can lock me up and throw away the key
But you can't take what's inside of me
Freedom, freedom, to sing

Watch on You Tube: goo.gl/eLqrB